Biology Courses

BIO 500 - Thesis Proposal Preparation(1 hour)Designed to prepare students to write and present their graduate thesis proposal. The instructor will work with students to develop the appropriate timeline and give a general outline of relevant information for a thesis proposal and instruction on developing and giving presentations. Students will also be directed to the CITI site to complete an ethics training module. The student will work with the thesis advisor to develop and edit the thesis proposal. The course will serve as a mechanism to organize proposal development and presentation. Ultimate responsibility for student grade and confirmation of completion of the work will reside with the faculty advisor who will report to the instructor of record. It is intended that students will present their written proposal to their chosen thesis committee and present their thesis proposal orally to the committee and department at the end of the semester they are enrolled in this course. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of Graduate Advisor

BIO 503 - Molecular Genetics(3-4 hours)Molecular genetics is the study of the intricate control of cellular events such as DNA replication, transcription, and translation. Familiarizes students with the exciting and rapidly advancing field of molecular biology and with some of the techniques that are used by molecular biologists. Primary focus will be on eukaryotic organisms. Prerequisite: C or better in BIO 310 (Genetics); permission of instructor.

BIO 506 - Advanced Microbiology(2 hours)Comprehensive analysis of selected topics of current interest in microbiology. Bacteria, protozoa, algae, fungi, viruses, prions. Energy flow in microbial systems. Relationship amongst microbes and between microbes and humans. Cross-listed as BIO 406. Prerequisite: four semesters of biology with laboratory; organic chemistry; or consent of instructor. Students who have credit for BIO 406 may not enroll in BIO 506.

BIO 520 - Advanced Ecosystems Ecology(3 hours)A comprehensive description of ecosystem form and function with focus on biogeochemistry, food webs, and energy transformations within natural systems. Emphasis on application of ecosystem principles to sustainable land management and current issues such as global change and nitrogen deposition. Understanding of the complex nature of the systems emphasized through use of primary literature, small group discussion and individual projects. Cross-listed as BIO 420. Prerequisite: C or better in BIO 250 and BIO 251 (or equivalent); CHM 116; MTH 115 or 121; graduate standing or consent of instructor. Students with credit in BIO 420 cannot enroll in BIO 520.

BIO 525 - Advanced Physiology(3 hours)Detailed study of the structure and function of animals; special reference to the human body; theories and methods of investigation mostly at organ system level; adaptational strategies to special conditions. Prerequisite: one semester of physiology or consent of instructor.

BIO 526 - Advanced Pathophysiology(3 hours)Detailed presentation of pathological conditions in the human body, with particular focus on the cellular basis for disease in muscular, respiratory, renal, and cardiovascular systems. Prerequisite: BIO 525 or concurrent enrollment, or consent of the instructor.

BIO 527 - Physiology of Anesthesia(3 hours)Emphasis on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodymanics of various anesthetic agents in the human body, with particular attention on the effect of the agents on the major physiological systems. Prerequisite: BIO 525; consent of instructor.

BIO 540 - Evolution(3 hours)Advanced content in evolutionary history, the mechanisms of evolution, and how evolutionary theory forms the basis for all biology. In-depth examination of selected evolutionary topics utilizing discussions, primary literature, and student presentations. Cross-listed as BIO 440. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor. Students who have credit for BIO 440 may not enroll in BIO 540.

BIO 550 - Conservation Biology(3 hours)Advanced content on the preservation of biodiversity. In-depth examination of selected conservation issues utilizing case studies, field trips, discussions, primary literature, and student presentations. Cross-listed as BIO 450. Prerequisite: graduate standing or consent of instructor. Students who have credit for BIO 450 may not enroll in BIO 550.

BIO 561 - Natural History of Vertebrates(3 hours)Vertebrates as integrated organisms: emphasis on activities and interaction with environment under natural conditions. Field work on local fauna. Introduction to classification. Prerequisite: 6 hours of college-level biology, senior or graduate standing or consent of instructor.

BIO 563 - Advanced Plant Ecology(3 hours)Physiological and growth responses of plants to environmental stresses, and consequences to the structure and function of communities and ecosystems. Cross-listed as BIO 463. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor. Students who have credit for BIO 463 may not enroll in BIO 563.

BIO 564 - Advanced Cell Biology(3 hours)Structural and functional organization of cells and their dynamic interactions with the environment. Methods and techniques of investigation. Cross-listed as BIO 464. Prerequisite: C or better in BIO 310, or consent of instructor. Students who have credit for BIO 464 may not enroll in BIO 564.

BIO 568 - Cellular and Molecular Immunology(3 hours)Interaction between foreign antigen, antigen presenting cells, B lymphocytes, and T lymphocytes to mount immune responses. Molecules responsible for immune interactions. Random generation of the diversity of the immune response, its associated problems, and natural solutions through selection and energy. Lab required. Cross-listed as BIO 468. Prerequisite: BIO 564 or equivalent, or consent of instructor. Students who have credit for BIO 396 or BIO 468 may not enroll in BIO 568.

BIO 570 - Seminar(1 hour)Selected topics in biological sciences. May be repeated under different topics for a maximum of 3 credit hours. Prerequisite: 3.0 grade point average in student's major; senior or graduate standing; consent of instructor.

BIO 575 - Special Graduate Topics in Biology(2-3 hours)Selected graduate-level coursework in biology. May be repeated under different topics for a total of 6 credit hours. Prerequisite: 3.0 grade point average in graduate-level biology program; or consent of instructor.

BIO 585 - Research(1-6 hours)Individual research for qualified students in special areas of biology. Prerequisite: senior-graduate standing, consent of instructor, 3.0 grade point average in the major field of study.

BIO 681 - Readings(1-6 hours)Readings in an area of interest to the student. Prerequisite: graduate standing and consent of instructor.

BIO 683 - Research(1-6 hours)Research in an area of interest to the student. Prerequisite: graduate standing and consent of advisor.

BIO 699 - Thesis(0-6 hours)Research and thesis preparation. Repeatable to a maximum of six hours of credit. Prerequisite: consent of program coordinator.